Arnold Schwarzenegger's hits and misses

Ric Francis / Associated Press

By Patrick Day, Todd Martens, and Jevon Phillips, Los Angeles Times Staff Writers Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's term in office has seen just as many triumphs and failures as his entertainment career. As guild strikes, and possibility of strikes, raised Californians' awareness of the state's reliance and relationship with Hollywood, we take a look at a few of the hits and misses of Schwarzenegger's Sacramento and Hollywood lives. MISS: Hollywood separation He tried to reform California's government, but has Schwarzenegger forgotten his roots? The Hollywood guilds were in disarray, with the WGA strike costing the economy billions of dollars, and the possible SAG strike that could have been even more devastating. His 'hands-off' approach was definitely noticed, starting with the whole runaway production issue. Millions of dollars have left the borders, and not a lot was done to either keep it or bring in more during his tenure. The rest of the world is catching up, but Schwarzenegger has done a lot to push away the Hollywood image and probably doesn't want to re-associate. He may not be straddling the fence, not having done a movie while in office, but the problem was that he used enough of his movie puns to keep his past in the spotlight. How about this for a slogan, former governor: "California: Come with me if you want to film!"

By Patrick Day, Todd Martens, and Jevon Phillips, Los Angeles Times Staff Writers Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's term in office has seen just as many triumphs and failures as his entertainment career. As guild strikes, and possibility of strikes, raised Californians' awareness of the state's reliance and relationship with Hollywood, we take a look at a few of the hits and misses of Schwarzenegger's Sacramento and Hollywood lives. MISS: Hollywood separation He tried to reform California's government, but has Schwarzenegger forgotten his roots? The Hollywood guilds were in disarray, with the WGA strike costing the economy billions of dollars, and the possible SAG strike that could have been even more devastating. His 'hands-off' approach was definitely noticed, starting with the whole runaway production issue. Millions of dollars have left the borders, and not a lot was done to either keep it or bring in more during his tenure. The rest of the world is catching up, but Schwarzenegger has done a lot to push away the Hollywood image and probably doesn't want to re-associate. He may not be straddling the fence, not having done a movie while in office, but the problem was that he used enough of his movie puns to keep his past in the spotlight. How about this for a slogan, former governor: "California: Come with me if you want to film!" (Ric Francis / Associated Press)

Hit: "Twins" (1988) After several years of grim tough guy roles, Schwarzenegger chose a perfect vehicle with which to lighten his image. With the director of "Ghostbusters," a charismatic co-star in Danny DeVito and a great sight gag for the poster, "The Terminator" successfully recreated himself as a comedy star. Comedic lightning did not strike twice, however. DeVito and Schwarzenegger reteamed in 1994 for "Junior," featuring a pregnant Arnold. The sight gag was a little less fresh by then, and the movie flopped.

Hit: "Twins" (1988) After several years of grim tough guy roles, Schwarzenegger chose a perfect vehicle with which to lighten his image. With the director of "Ghostbusters," a charismatic co-star in Danny DeVito and a great sight gag for the poster, "The Terminator" successfully recreated himself as a comedy star. Comedic lightning did not strike twice, however. DeVito and Schwarzenegger reteamed in 1994 for "Junior," featuring a pregnant Arnold. The sight gag was a little less fresh by then, and the movie flopped. (Universal Pictures)